Iceland's most popular places

GoGoGuide15 places

Sights

MývatnMývatn is a shallow eutrophic lake situated in an area of active volcanism in the north of Iceland, not far from Krafla volcano. The lake and its surrounding wetlands have an exceptionally rich population of water birds, especially a variety of ducks.

Blue LagoonThe Blue Lagoon is probably Iceland’s most famous attraction and has become considered a must-see for all visitors to the country. It is located in the Svartsengi lava field of Grindavík, between the Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavík.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tours and CafeThis extremely picturesque glacial lagoon at the southern edge of the Vatnajökull glacier is regarded as one of Iceland’s greatest natural wonders. Huge chunks of ice regularly calve off the glacier and make their way to the sea via the glacier lagoon.

Thingvellir National ParkÞingvellir was declared a national park in 1930. A law was passed designating Þingvellir as “a protected national shrine for all Icelanders, the perpetual property of the Icelandic nation under the preservation of parliament, never to be sold or mortgaged.” Þingvellir has been the site of many special moments in history. The Icelandic parliament, The Althingi, was established here around 930 AD and on 17 June 1944, Icelanders celebrated their independence from Denmark in Þingvellir.

HaukadalurThe famed hot spring Geysir is located in the Haukadalur valley in southwestern Iceland. It was first mentioned in Icelandic literature in 1294 when the valley was hit by a series of strong earthquakes and a devastating eruption of Mount Hekla.

Waterfalls

Goðafoss WaterfallGoðafoss, ("Waterfall of the Gods“) is among the most beautiful falls in the country. Though it is not very tall, the cascade is divided into two horseshoe-shaped falls, making it unique among Icelandic waterfalls. Not far above the falls the river Skjálfandafljót divides in two, forming the island Hrútey.

Gullfoss FallsGullfoss, or the ‘Golden Waterfall’, is a breathtaking two-tiered waterfall that drops 32 metres into a narrow canyon 70 metres deep and 2.5 kilometres long. From the car park there’s a footpath leading to a viewing platform where you can experience the waterfall in all its glory.

DynjandiThe impressive Dynjandi waterfall is located at the base of the Arnarfjörður fjord. Often likened to a bridal veil, the falls are 30 metres wide at the highest point and 60 metres wide at its lowest point. They stand 100 metres tall.

SeljalandsfossOne of Iceland’s most visited waterfalls, after Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss is situated along the Seljalandsá river where the waterway plummets 40 metres over a cliff face. Seljalandsfoss is unique among waterfalls, as the shape of the cliff over which it falls allows visitors to walk behind the chute via a footpath at the base of the falls.

SkógafossLocated at the foot of the impressive Eyjafjöll mountain range is Skógafoss, a magnificent 60-metre high waterfall where, according to legend, the first Viking settler in the area hid a treasure in the cave behind the cascade.

Towns

HeimaeyThe Westman Islands is a stunning archipelago off Iceland’s south coast. Sometimes called “Pompeii of the North,” all of the archipelago’s islands have evolved from underwater eruptions. The newest addition to the group, Surtsey, was created during a submarine eruption that lasted from 1963 to 1967.

SeydisfjordurWith its beautifully preserved wooden buildings, the town of Seyðisfjörður is one of Iceland’s most picturesque spots. The closest Icelandic port to the Faroe Islands and Europe, the town’s heyday was at the turn of the 20th century when it was the centre of the Norwegian fishing and herring processing industry.

StykkishólmurStykkishólmur is often called the capital of Snaefellsnes and is a fishing and trading centre with an excellent natural harbour.

HúsavíkIf you like whales, Húsavík is the place to be. This fishing village of 2,300 inhabitants is a perfect tourist spot with impressive views of the Kinnarfjöll mountains across the bay, easy hikes through varied landscape and good trout fishing.

AkureyriAkureyri, the largest town outside of the greater Reykjavik area, is situated in innermost Eyjafjörður fjord. It is an old trading station and also an important fishing town and is full of stuff to see and do.